Lighting in four layers, as in every well-designed home
The biggest reason an interior looks catalogue-like is not the furniture. It is the lighting. A country home needs four layers minimum, not one.
View lighting The four layersThe four light levels of a well-lit home
Mix them all, dim them per moment
Ceiling light
For functional lighting. Dimmable, 2700K warm white. In the living room this should be subtle, not the only source.
Pendant lights →Table lighting
For ambiance. On cabinets, sideboards and bedside tables. Often with linen or fabric shade for warm soft diffusion.
Table lamps →Floor lighting
For reading nooks and dim corners. Always next to an armchair or sofa end, never centred.
Floor lamps →Accent lighting
For a piece of art, architectural element or plant. Subtle wall lamp or spot. Creates depth in the room.
Wand lights →The lighting plan per room
Different rooms, different lighting needs
Ambiance and flexibility
In the living room you want to switch between reading, watching TV, and conversation. Work with minimum five light sources, all on dimmers, grouped into scenes.
- Dimmable ceiling light for general functional light
- 2-3 table lamps on cabinets and bedside tables (warm white)
- 1 floor lamp next to an armchair or reading nook
- 1 wall lamp as accent on artwork
- Optional candles or LED candles for warmth
The right colour temperature per room
In country interiors 2700K almost always works
Warm white
Standard for living room, dining room, bedroom. Warm, homely, cosy. Our recommendation.
Neutral warm
For kitchen and bathroom. Slightly brighter but still warm enough for functionality.
Bright white
Avoid in living spaces. Feels clinical. Possibly for garage or work room.
Avoid LED lamps with colour temperature above 3000K in country living spaces. Invest in CRI 90+ lamps (Color Rendering Index) for true-to-life colour rendering.
Lighting for every layer
Directly from our collection
Frequently asked questions
What is the right colour temperature for living room lighting?
2700K (warm white) for most country interiors. Feels warmer and more homely than 3000K or 4000K (cool white). Invest in CRI 90+ lamps for better colour rendering. Always use dimmers.
How many light sources per room?
Minimum four light levels per living space: ceiling light (functional), table lamps (ambient), floor lamp (reading), accent lighting (depth). In the bedroom minimum three. Always use dimmers per scene.
At what height should a pendant hang above the dining table?
70 to 90cm above the table top. Lower for intimate dinner atmosphere, higher for daily use with children. Pendant diameter: about 1/3 of table width. Never lower than 70cm above a table where children move around.
LED or traditional incandescent bulb?
LED for energy saving and lifespan. Choose LED with CRI 90+ (for true-to-life colour rendering) and 2700K. Dimmable LED exists but sometimes requires a specific dimmer. Avoid cheap LEDs (poor colour rendering, cold light).
Ceiling spots in a country living room?
Sparingly. Maximum 4-6 spots, spread over the seating combination, dimmable. Never as only light source. Always combine with table and floor lamps for ambience. Recessed spots without trim look more modern and cleaner.
Material for lamp shades?
Leinen (soft warm diffusion), heavy cotton, parchment, or jute for textures. Avoid plastic or synthetic fabrics (too sterile and cheap-looking in country setting). Messing or brushed nickel for metal parts.
A lighting plan for your project?
Our interior architects make a lighting plan that fits your space, not a catalogue.